Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. The crispy Parmesan crust locks in the juiciness of the chicken, while the creamy garlic sauce adds depth and richness. It’s versatile, pairing well with a variety of side dishes, and is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Crispy Coating:

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup light cream or heavy cream
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Press the mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the cream, stir in Italian seasoning (or oregano), and add spinach (optional). Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet and cook the chicken through for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream and serve with roasted cauliflower instead of pasta or mashed potatoes.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through. For best results, cover the skillet to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well for this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and juicy.

2. How do I prevent the Parmesan crust from falling off?

Make sure to press the Parmesan and panko mixture firmly onto the chicken and avoid moving the chicken too early while searing.

3. Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but you can use frozen chicken if needed—just extend the cooking time slightly.

5. What can I serve this dish with?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

6. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s great for meal prepping! Just store the chicken and sauce in separate containers and reheat when ready to serve.

7. How can I make the crust extra crispy?

For an extra crispy crust, add a little more Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs and press it firmly onto the chicken.

8. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick.

9. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

10. Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?

Yes, heavy cream will make the sauce richer and creamier.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is an easy-to-make dish that offers a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy chicken and a luscious, creamy sauce. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. Crispy, cheesy chicken pairs perfectly with a smooth garlic cream sauce, creating a rich, savory meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite!